Everton short of firepower as Johnson doubtful for Hammers clash

Last updated at 15:47 18 March 2008

Andrew Johnson is a major doubt for Everton's clash with West Ham on Saturday.

The England international damaged his groin at Craven Cottage and will spend the next few days getting intensive treatment at Everton's Finch Farm training ground but it is looking likely that he will not be ready until the Merseyside derby on March 30.

Given Victor Anichebe has a hip problem and James Vaughan has only just had surgery to correct cartilage damage in his left knee, that could leave Yakubu as Everton's only fit striker.

With Tim Cahill, Manuel Fernandes and Thomas Gravesen also injured, Everton are down to the bare bones and Mikel Arteta is hoping the treatment room is cleared in time for visit of the Hammers — who, ironically, remain keen on trying to sign £10m-rated Johnson in the summer.

Artetat said: 'We lost AJ and it is very important for us to have him in the team but we need to get the next three points. We are very short at the moment and the lads were tired on Sunday. But we can't really say we didn't put the effort in because we did everything we could. They had a chance, they scored and we didn't.'